Member-only story

Gliomas: A Comprehensive Guide to Brain Tumors

Damon Hayes

·3.3k Followers· Follow

Published in Gliomas (ISSN 134) Jacki Pritchard

4 min read

1.1k View Claps

61 Respond

Save

Listen

Gliomas are the most common type of brain tumor, accounting for over 80% of all primary brain tumors. They are classified into four main types, each with its own unique characteristics and treatment options.

Gliomas (ISSN Book 134)

by Jacki Pritchard

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	48267 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	436 pages

Gliomas are named after the type of glial cell from which they originate. Glial cells are cells that support and protect neurons, the cells that transmit electrical signals in the brain.

Types of Gliomas

The four main types of gliomas are:

Astrocytomas are the most common type of glioma. They originate from star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes.
Oligodendrogliomas originate from oligodendrocytes, cells that produce the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers.
Ependymomas originate from ependymal cells, cells that line the ventricles of the brain and spinal cord.
Mixed gliomas contain a mixture of two or more types of glial cells.

Symptoms of Gliomas

The symptoms of a glioma depend on its location and size.

Common symptoms include:

Headaches
Seizures
Nausea and vomiting
Vision problems
Speech problems
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Difficulty with balance and coordination
Progressive cognitive decline

Diagnosis of Gliomas

Gliomas are diagnosed based on a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging studies.

Imaging studies used to diagnose gliomas include:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Treatment of Gliomas

The treatment of a glioma depends on its type, location, and size.

Treatment options include:

Surgery to remove the tumor
Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells
Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells throughout the body
Targeted therapy to attack specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer

Prognosis for Gliomas

The prognosis for a glioma depends on its type, location, and size.

The overall five-year survival rate for all types of gliomas is about 65%. The five-year survival rate for astrocytomas is about 80%, the five-year survival rate for oligodendrogliomas is about 70%, and the five-year survival rate for ependymomas is about 60%.

Gliomas are a complex and challenging type of brain tumor. However, with advances in diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for patients with gliomas has improved in recent years.

If you have any of the symptoms of a glioma, it is important to see your doctor right away for evaluation.

Gliomas (ISSN Book 134)

by Jacki Pritchard

5 out of 5